Book Review: "One Night on the Island" by Josie Silver

In the newest novel from Josie Silver, One Night on the Island, two people both needed time alone, but found each other instead.

Cleo is a dating columnist for a popular online woman’s magazine in the UK. She’s chronicled her unsuccessful search for her "flamingo," her mate for life. With her 30th birthday approaching, her boss sends her on a solo retreat to a remote Irish island, in hopes of reenergizing her passion and her writing, as well as her connection with herself.

The luxury cabin on Salvation Island is everything she hoped it would be, but it comes with one unexpected addition—Mack, a photographer from Boston. He’s trying to negotiate the disintegration of his marriage and how it will affect his children, while at the same time, explore the roots of his family, which trace back to this same island.

Apparently, while Cleo’s boss reserved the cabin, Mark’s distant cousin, who owns it, promised it to him. There’s of course only one cabin on the entire island, and it’s so remote that a boat only comes once a week—if they’re lucky. How are they going to deal with their problems if they have to stay in such close proximity to one another?

“I may make a living writing about love, but I’m no wet-behind-the-ears romantic, and there’s nothing cute about this encounter. The American is abrasive. Beardy….I’m holed up at the end of the world with Han Solo.”

Rom-com fans know all about forced proximity and what happens. But Silver always brings more emotional depth to her books than the typical rom-com. These are two people who’ve been broken and are world-weary, and they know there’s no easy fix for their lives.

I thought One Night on the Island was really good, full of emotion, some gentle steam, and beautiful moments, with a fantastic cast of supporting characters. Random House and Goodreads provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review; thanks so much for making it available!

One Night on the Island publishes 2/15/22.

Book Review: "Happy Singles Day" by Ann Marie Walker

Ann Marie Walker's Happy Singles Day is a feel-good rom-com about two people who say they’re fine being single. (Yeah, sure.)

Paige knows how to take control of chaos. As a certified professional organizer, she helps her clients get their clutter under control and find peace with the more-organized version of themselves.

Ironically, the only thing Paige doesn’t have control over is her love life. Well, she does have control, in that she isn’t interested in having one. She’s combatted loneliness with work, and now she’s rewarding herself with a vacation to celebrate Singles Day.

She’s not happy to find that the charming bed-and-breakfast she booked a room at isn’t quite what was advertised. At least the scenery is great to look at—particularly Lucas, the owner of the B&B, which hasn’t been operational for some time.

Lucas isn’t pleased that his meddling sister took Paige’s reservation and promised much more than he or the inn could deliver. He knows his sister is hoping this will be the push he needs to get the business going, and perhaps make a fresh start romantically, but he’s not interested in spending time with any women except his young daughter, Maddie.

Could two people with nothing in common except their desire not to be in a relationship connect with one another? Is their desire for solitude real, or is it a defense mechanism? Can the professional organizer bring order to the handsome yet surly innkeeper?

I’ll bet you know what will happen. Happy Singles Day really was an adorable rom-com, full of all my favorite plot devices—puppies, rainstorms, forced proximity, and meddling siblings and friends. It’s predictable but sweet, and deals with overcoming grief and taking second chances.

If you’re looking for something light and fun, here’s a cute one for you!